Two lots close to Smiling Creek Elementary on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain will soon have townhomes catering to families.
This month, city council unanimously gave fourth and final reading to the bid by Annesley Homes to change the city-wide Official Community Plan and rezone 3421 and 3431 Queenston Ave., where the company plans to build 23 three-level townhouse units.
Coun. Dennis Marsden recused himself from the vote, citing past contractual work with Annesley.
According to a city report, Annesley will construct two two-bedroom units and 21 three- and four-bedroom units in four buildings, at the intersection with Soball Street.
The development is expected to bring in for the city:
- $608,000 in development cost charges
- $113,072 in community amenity contributions
- $20,000 for the community amenity enhancement program
In 2020, when the proposal came before council, the city received nine responses, including a 66-name petition and two letters, against the project.
Opponents cited increased density and traffic, as well as loss of privacy to the single-family home neighbours plus environmental impacts. Last January, the company hosted a virtual public information meeting to address the concerns.
Andrew Merrill, Coquitlam’s director of development services, wrote in his March 1, 2021, report that Annesley “will be marketing to families due to its proximity to Smiling Creek Elementary School and Queenston Park.”
The school opened in 2018.
In other development news:
At its Dec. 12 meeting, council also unanimously — and without comment — OK’d fourth and final reading to rezone a Burquitlam property for a weed shop.
Seed and Stone plans its cannabis retail shop at 512 Young Dr., in the Anthem SOCO development that’s now under construction (the site was previously occupied by a Best Western hotel).
Seed and Stone also has pot shops in Delta, Chilliwack, Hope and Victoria.
Coquitlam approved its cannabis regulatory framework last December and has since allowed dispensaries at:
- 109-2957 Glen Dr. (The Local Leaf Cannabis)
- 103-2700 Barnet Hwy. (KJ’s Best Cannabis)
- 105-552 Clarke Rd. (Imagine Cannabis)
- 102-935 Brunette Ave. (Brunette Cannabis)
- Unit B-1052 Austin Ave. (Northern Lights Cannabis)
